This well-done educational video is a great starting point for introducing your middle or high school students to the art of improvisation. There’s more to improv than simply performing “without a net.” While it certainly gives actors the freedom of performing without being burdened by rehearsals, costumes, or props, it’s harder than it looks! There’s a specific skill set a team of actors needs to learn in order to do improv successfully. This DVD, designed to be shown in its entirety in one class period, provides an initial overview of the topic in five sections:

1. What is Improv?2. The History of Improvisation3. Terms and Definitions4. Techniques5. Read more...Exercises, Warm-ups, and Routines

Whether you’re looking to perform improv or not, it is a valuable tool and skill set for all actors. It emphasizes the importance of working together as a single unit while teaching individuals to go out on a creative limb and test themselves artistically.

Comedy Improvisation
This book presents fun comic improvisation exercises and structures, ranging from the very simple and basic to the very sophisticated, which require considerable skill to pull off.

Improv Ideas
These book are perfect — jam-packed with games and lists; a valuable resource for any theatre teacher or drama library.